The program forms a cycle of compositions by Gautier de Coincy
(1177/78-1236), part of a larger literary work designed to chronical
the miracles of the Virgin. This was one of the more celebrated
works of the period, suriving on more than 80 manuscripts, and
apparently forming part of the inspiration for the presently more
famous Cantigas from Spain. Some songs
use melodies derived from other sources, while others are apparently
original. Gautier became a monk as a teen, and was abbot in Soissons
by 1233.